Charles was born in Sentinel, Oklahoma to Charles and Virgie Ready, who preceded him in death.

He was a highly decorated fighter pilot who served in World War II as a member of the 388th Fighter Bomber Squadron known as the "Hell Hawks' and also flew fighter planes in the Korean War.

Chuck was a weather detachment commander at Hahn Air Base, worked on the Air Weather Service staff at Scott Air Force Base, and was the weather detachment commander at Lajes Air Base before retiring in 1971.

He was a member of the AWA, MOAA and was a Daedalian.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, JoAnna Ready, three daughters and four grandchildren, and two sisters.

Funeral services were held in Florida on 14 June. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetary on 21 July 2003 with full Military Honors.